Preliminary evidence for the impact of digital life stories about aged care residents on staff knowledge and understanding regarding those residents; A single arm trial

Abstract

Aims and objectives This study aimed to examine the impact of digital stories about aged care residents on staff knowledge and understanding regarding those residents. Background More than a quarter of a million older Australians live in residential aged care facilities. This living arrangement can inhibit the expression of a person's sense of identity. Without objects and cues that reflect the person's selfhood, it can be difficult for a person to express their uniqueness. Staff may not sufficiently appreciate the resident's individuality and therefore may not be able to customise care for the resident. Design This study used a single‐arm trial design. Methods The study was conducted in four residential aged care facilities. Short digital life stories (3–4 min) of eight residents were constructed by student volunteers over 6 months. Participants (n = 53 care staff) completed a self‐report measure of their knowledge and understanding of a resident before and after watching the resident's story. The study adhered to guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) (see Appendix S1). Results Pre‐ and post‐test scores of the measure were compared using paired samples t‐tests. These scores changed significantly, showing an improvement of knowledge and understanding regarding residents. Conclusions Watching digital life stories were associated with improvements in knowledge and understanding by staff, and hence have the potential to foster a greater level of understanding of residents by such staff, and more person‐centred care practices within residential aged care facilities. Relevance to clinical practice Digital stories about aged care residents are quick and efficient methods for improving aged care staff members' knowledge and understanding of the residents under their care. With such understanding, staff may be able to better customise care for residents, thereby validating residents' sense of identity and elevating residents' quality of life.

The use of a digital life story to support person-centred care of older adults with dementia: A scoping review

“…Thirty-one studies published between 2004 and 2021 were included (see Appendix 3). These included research articles (17/31), 25 – 41 conference articles (8/31), 42 – 49 theses (2/31), 50 , 51 discussion articles (1/31), 52 long papers (1/31), 53 ministry reports (1/31), 54 and a web-based presentation (1/31). 55 The included material originated from the United Kingdom (12/31), 25 , 26 , 31 , 33 , 41 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 52 – 55 Sweden (5/31), 32 , 38 , 40 , 50 , 51 Australia (3/31), 36 , 39 , 48 the United States (2/31), 28 , 30 Canada (2/31), 27 , ...…”

“… 36 , 48 DLSs changed HCPs’ views of older adults and helped them recognise and prevent disruptive behaviour, which relieved their burden and the older adult's distress. 40 , 41 , 47 , 54 The HCPs needed help from relatives to compile and update content for the DLSs. 34 They shared goals and experiences with relatives on a shared platform with multimedia content.…”

“…The HCPs differed in using DLSs and were unsure about access, number, and implementation of the DLSs. 34 , 36 , 40 , 52 , 54 DLS and technology use required flexible care settings and training. HCPs faced stress due to time constraints and the need to align the DLS with the prevailing care routines to motivate its use as an integrated aspect of care.…”

Remembering the Past with Today’s Technology: A Scoping Review of Reminiscence-Based Digital Storytelling with Older Adults

“…Two were conducted in the United Kingdom [10,42]. All other countries were represented by one study each: Australia [43], Canada [44], Korea [45],…”

“…Four of the articles were quantitative studies. Bhar et al [43] utilized a single-arm trial with an O-X-O design. Moon and Park's [45] and Elfrink et al's [46] studies were randomized control trials.…”